chapter 150

Sable

I push back against Cleo’s attack with my own power. Still gripping the doorframe, I envision a protection sigil in my mind, hoping it will give me just enough room to build my wall back up. For a second, I think it works. Cleo’s essence backs off minutely, and I can breathe. I snatch desperately at the last threads of my energy and attempt to weave my barrier back into place in my mind.

But my efforts at fighting the witch off are in vain. I know it before she wins, but I try anyway, throwing every last bit of strength I have into keeping her out of my head.

Then I’m snatched right off Ridge’s doorstep, and my spiritual essence flies through the bond into the astral plane.

My soul is flung through a long, dark tunnel that’s shot through with smoke and sparkling silver lights like fireflies against a night sky. I flail my arms around me, hoping to catch hold of something and keep Cleo from dragging me all the way to her, but nothing is solid. Including me. The wind whips past my